Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Why Doesn't The Government Do Something....

Those who count themselves on the right of the political spectrum tend to deplore that statement. They see it as a cry for socialism or Marxism or communism. The problem is that the right wing has things they think government should be doing too. It's really a bit hypocritical to point fingers with regard to these matters when both sides have their own political axes to grind.

There is however a group of right wingers that really chap my backside. They are the politically involved evangelical Christians. Now there is nothing wrong with political involvement, especially when there is something that is realistic and achievable to be done and it involves eliminating the role of government in our lives. But what I really can't abide is the lap dog mentality of evangelicals that will put all their eggs in the Republican basket and expect something to happen.

I'm not sure who said it, but there is an expression that we use at work from time to time. It says, "the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result."

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, please stop the insanity. Use the brain the Lord gave you. Consider a different approach. The Republicans have proven that they are not going to help you make this a moral and upright nation. How long have you been with them and how long have they promised you they will do something about your most important issues and how many times have they failed even when they have a majority in government? I think it's about 100%. Isn't it time to stop being tricked by these lottery ticket salesmen? They are not going to fix the abortion issue or the gay marriage issue or the prayer in schools issue or your favorite tax issue. They do not care about anything other than personal empowerment and they are like their colleagues on the other side of the aisle.

Your answer is not in politics. Your answer is in the Power of Christ and the gospel.

The culture war is over and we lost. The church in America is one generation away from death and it is at least partially because we placed our confidence in these snake oil salesmen rather than Christ.

The time has come to cut our losses. We have to lower the drawbridge at church. We have to tear down the walls and let the sinners in so they can be saved. If we cooperate with God, the gospel will have it's effect. God will take the harvest and those he has chosen will live the new and better life. We have to go out among them and use the tools we have to bring them in. Political involvement is not the route to do that. It foments hate toward the church and her husband Jesus Christ. People need to know what they are facing personally before they will change. We have that message. It might even be possible to remake the culture one person at a time.

Beyond that, there is no place in scripture where the Lord promises us a Christian culture. It just ain't gonna happen. Some believe we had a Christian culture in the US once. I would say, perhaps nominally so, but I have plenty of arguments proving otherwise. It does not matter. That was then. This is now.

Use the tools. Bring them in. Let God sort them out.

Ephesians 3:16-21

16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.